DHS Skyline 2 Provincial Blue Sponge
Rubber description:
This rubber is a sticky (tacky) offensive sheet that demands advanced technique and high physical engagement from the player. It is characterized by an exceptional capacity for generating spin, particularly during serves, pushes, and opening loops. While it is capable of significant power, it is not an inherently fast or âbouncyâ rubber; its speed is highly dependent on the userâs swing speed, arm strength, and ability to compress the sponge through the ball.
Performance Characteristics
- Spin and Dwell: The rubber provides high dwell time, which facilitates aggressive, high-spin loops and heavy topspin shots. It excels in creating unpredictable ball trajectories, often described as âstrangeâ or curving, which can make it difficult for opponents to read.
- Speed and Throw: It features a relatively low throw angle and a non-linear response. Because it is not a high-tension rubber, it requires active, precise strokes to ensure the ball clears the net. It lacks the explosive âspringâ found in modern tensors, meaning it rewards players who prefer to generate their own speed rather than relying on the rubberâs catapult effect.
- Short Game and Control: The rubber is highly regarded for its touch play. Players can absorb incoming energy easily, making it effective for short balls, precise serves, and controlled blocking near the net.
Technical Considerations
- Equipment Pairing: Performance is highly dependent on the blade choice. It generally performs best on blades that offer enough flex or dwell to help the ball sink into the sponge, though some users prefer stiffer, harder blades when using a booster.
- Physical Demands: This is a demanding sheet that requires a solid foundation of mechanics. Unlike user-friendly tensioned rubbers, it does not âdo the workâ for the player; it requires consistent, full strokes to prevent the ball from dropping into the net. It is best suited for experienced players who prioritize spin-heavy attacking and high-percentage placement over raw, effortless speed.
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Recent Reviews
#1 â July 2024
This review discusses the 40â version of the table tennis rubber, highlighting its performance when played both unboosted and boosted. The unboosted rubber performs better on softer, more flexible blades, while boosting with one layer of FT Long Booster yields better results on harder, stiffer blades.
In terms of specific ratings:
- Looping: 9.7/10
- Driving: 8.5/10 (performing better when boosted)
- Serve/Receive: 10/10
- Blocking: 9/10 (note that the ballâs trajectory isnât linear, as it tends to curve, which may not be ideal for training)
- Countering: 9/10 (both spinning and hitting back the ball are relatively easy and adjustable).
Overall, the rubber is best utilized on mildly stiff blades such as the Barwell Fleet, Gauzy SL, or Infinity VPS when unboosted, or on the Viscaria when boosted. These recommendations are based on above-average looping mechanics and emphasize that this rubber requires more effort to master compared to T05 or even the Dignics series. However, it offers a significant safety advantage under pressure, ensuring the ball will land regardless of the shot.
The opening third ball with this rubber remains classic and is much more powerful than the Hurricane series, in my opinion. I appreciate the rubberâs flexibility in hitting, looping, and even loop driving. Weighing in at a modest 48-49 grams on a 157/150 blade, itâs not excessively heavy.
This rubber is particularly suitable for players who prefer heavy, hard countering without the bottoming out associated with the Hurricane or Tenergy series. It provides immaculate control for short games and allows for flat hits against heavy topspins, offering ease of redirection without any loss of control.
While it takes more work than tensors, the shots are much more fulfilling and can be deadlier, especially with unusual ball spins such as flat or sidespin from opponents. I tested this rubber on various blades, including the Nobilis, Gauzy SL, Nittaku SKC, and some basic five-ply blades. My least favorite pairing was with low dwell blades, as they didnât allow the rubber to sink and generate the necessary energy for effective spinning.
#2 â July 2024
This rubber is not particularly speedy; its speed is medium-fast, even after boosting. The throw angle is low, which means that if youâre too relaxed when shooting, the ball may not clear the net.
The topspin and serve characteristics are phenomenal, and the chop block topspin is impressive. Additionally, countering topspin shots is easy with this rubber. In my experience, it performs better when paired with a harder blade.
However, it does require good technique and is more physically demanding to produce effective shots.
#3 â July 2024
The speed rating of this table tennis rubber is over-exaggerated, even with three layers of national yellow.
However, the spin capability is incredible! The serves are extremely spinny, and making pushes is very easy as well.
As someone who hits very hard, I found the speed to be satisfactory. It didnât bother me at all.
This rubber is excellent for hard-hitting players who want to achieve powerful topspins.
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